G.Guirl

G. WILLIAM GUIRL, 92 ROCKFORD - G. William "Bill" Guirl, 92, of Rockford died Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2012, at home. Born June 25, 1920, in Rockford, son of George W. Sr. and Emma (Litton) Guirl. Graduated from Rochelle High School and the University of Illinois. Married Margaret Coogan in Lincoln, on June 25, 1949. Veteran of the U.S. Navy, he served in the Philippines during World War II. After earning his B.S. in mechanical engineering, he worked for Sundstrand Aviation, retiring in 1984 after 35 years. Member of the Cathedral of St. Peter and the Knights of Columbus, where had once served as Grand Knight. Bill was active in various professional engineering and engineering related organizations. He was a charter member and past chairman of the board of the Rockford Regional Academic Center; past president, Rockford Area Engineering Graduate Study Council; member of the advisory committee, Vo-Tech Education, Rock Valley College; and active member of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. After their retirement, he and Margaret spent many winters on Jekyll Island, Ga., where he enjoyed golf, painting and genealogy. In 2009, he published "Unfolding Lines," a Guirl family history, completing work started by his father, telling stories of the family roots. Bill was a wonderful mentor to his children, stressing the importance of education and hard work. He extended this to his grandchildren, who he supervised and trained in maintenance chores on the family farm. Survivors include children, Tom (Barb) Guirl and their children, Cara, Jamin (deceased) and Danielle; Jim (Wayna) Guirl and their children, Christopher, David and Stephen; Sally (Doug) Mark and their children, Andy (Beth), Tom, Alison, Charlie, Johnny and Matthew; Bob (Marion) Guirl and their children, Ellen and Mike; Julie Guirl (Tim Swain); great-grandchildren, Billy, Kaleb, Ileah, Samantha, Stella, Sadie and Sloan; brothers, Nick (Marge) Guirl and Russ (Sue) Guirl. Predeceased by parents; wife, Margaret, on Feb. 14, 2010; sons, Phil in 2008; infant son, William; and brothers, Mort and John. Memorial Mass at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, at the Cathedral of St. Peter with the Rev. Carl Beekman officiating. Memorial visitation from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Road, and from noon until time of the Mass Saturday at the church. Private family burial at Holy Cross Cemetery, Lincoln. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Milestone Inc., 4060 McFarland Road, or St. Peter School Endowment Fund, 1243 N. Church St., Rockford, IL 61103. Express condolences and share memories at www.fitzgeraldfh.

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